Teacher Appreciation Week: Teach Students to be Green

I loved school. I can still distinctly remember a song from elementary with the mantra “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle… (which may explain a few things.)

Teachers are dedicated individuals who mold our future through their lessons. In honor of our teacher friends & Teacher Appreciation Week (May2-8), we’re sharing ways & resources to help our school’s teachers educate students about being green:

• Use Technology to its Fullest.  Have kids respond to blog posts instead of handing in an essay, or create an online document instead of a poster.   Have students send links to articles they’ve read & reviewed via email, instead of printing them out.  Use online resources instead of packets… You get the idea.
• Conserve Paper. Print double-sided, or make sure to save any paper printed on one side for scrap paper. (I have a bin at my cube behind me for scrap too!)
• Read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. This green book is about conservation and can start conversations – Even high schoolers enjoy it!
• Use a projector to read texts. Better: hand out small white boards & markers and have studnets respond on that.
• Create eco-friendly Art.
• Have your Students Draw their Carbon Footprint.
  
• Recycle Paper. (after you use it.)
• Create a competition – For who can recycle the most or use the least waste.
  
• Turn off Lights when leaving the classroom.
• Incorporate the Environment into your lessons – regardless of your subject. EcoKids Canada, ChildrenoftheEarth.org, Planetpals, the Environment Site, and Planet Green all have activities, ideas & lesson plans for teachers.

Thanks for all your work, teachers!

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher